A warparty of minotaurs is being lead by the party through the underdark. First stop: The shores of the darklake, where you will have to make several trips (not everyone will fit on the ferry). Each of the minotaurs has brought coin for their passage.
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:55, Tue 25 July 2006.

Schnickle had hoped to sidle off and leave the minotaurs to their expedition, but with the brutes crowded around him, he didn't have a hope. It seemed that he was along for the ride.

Of course, now he had to ensure that the assault was, at least partially, a success. With little in the way of intel, this was a problem.

So he racked his brains, pondering the next stage of the journey. He chased thoughts around and around inside his head, considering every side of every eventuality, and ultimately getting tangled, lost and thoroughly confused.

So he gave up. He'd think of something, or something would turn up, Callarduran willing.

The ferry comes - what stop will you give him?

(You can just say "The furthest away one" or something if you want)

Schnickle gave Carevas an embarrased grin as the minotaurs horded behind him. "Miconid Garden, can you take us back?"

[Ie. back where we first took the boat.]


While the loading and shipping of minotaur warriors took place, Schnickle sought out their leader to discuss the battle plans.

"You want to speak to me, little one? What is it?" replies the leader gruffly.

Schnickle looked up and up at the minotaur. "Greetings to you. Planning the forthcoming attack I am, and the capabilities of your kind and your soldiers fine I would like to know."

"We have a few on their grown-quest to prove themselves, but most are veteran warriors. Devourers are not to be taken lightly - they are foes most dishonorable in battle, but most glorious to destroy. However, you are leading us there - you are no commander of minotaurs."

Schnickle shook his head. "No, but wish I do to advise on tactics. Special abilities that will help, have your men?"


OOC: Trying to interrogate him for Minotaur stats.

I've rolled knowledge (local) for you and got a natural 20 - you know minotaur stats in detail.

Here they are: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/minotaur.htm

Most veteran minotaurs from this community would have one level of barbarian, and the leader is likely to be a mid-level barbarian.

By talking to him for awhile, you are able to get some stories of past battles which gives you some information on the prowess of minotaur warriors.

"We are each stronger than the strongest of men - Devourers are vulnerable once their heads are turned to a pulp."

Schnickle nodded as though the Minotaur's words were sage advice. "Pulpy heads make many a creature a vulnerable."

"Devourer city is hidden well, but patrol the tunnels around they do. Propose I do that we find us a Devourer, and slay it. Great minotaur trackers then sniff the hidden way back." Schnickle was careful to use the local word for Illithid, Devourer.


OOC: Not sure if there's a lie in there or not, but just in case:
20:52, Today: Schnicklegulp Stoneswiper rolled 16 using 1d20+6. bluff.

The minotaur tenses once he realises the implications of what you have said. "You do not know where they are. You lied to our kingpriest, dishonored svirf. Do not speak to me further - you will taint me. Once the devourers are defeated I desire no more to do with you."

Uh-ho... Schnickle tried hurriedly to resolve this situation. "A lie there is not." he insisted. "Said I did that I knew where it is. Said I did on Dark Lake's other side it lies, Miconid Garden not far from. Said I did not how to find it." he explained cryptically.


13:31, Today: Schnicklegulp Stoneswiper rolled 22 using 1d20+6. bluff.

OOC: You are lucky to have such a smooth-talking fellow along.

"Either way, that is not what any of us heard. Your accent is an affront to the common tounge, but we will follow this plan - for now."

OOC: The smooth-talking fellow is the problem in the first place. :)

Trying to smooth over any future conflicts, Schnickle went on - when he perhaps should have just kept his mouth shut. "And better it would be if yourself discovers the way to the Devourers, and leads to victory the army."

And if die there you should, then safer I shall be.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Wed 02 Aug 2006.

After several days of travelling, the warparty is getting restless and there is still no fighting. You found signs of mind flayer activity - several hapless duergar with the top of their heads ripped open. This is odd - normally, mind flayers take the bodies with them - they need normal nutrience as well as brains, and their thralls will eat any further remains.

It occurs to you that Mind Flayers can read thoughts from a short distance, and you are actively hunting for one.

Minotaur brains, sweet and juicy and fresh, come and get some... Schnickle called out within his head.

Schnick calls out mentally, and in moments recieves a reply. Grasping his head, he stops in his tracks momentarily at the strength of the voice in his mind.

[Private to Schnicklegulp Stoneswiper: Minotaur brains? Don't make me laugh. I would sooner starve. Gnomes on the other hand...]

Calladuran hide me, worked it did. Schnickle mentally exclaimed, then realised that the voice in his head, presumably a Mind Flayer, probably heard that too.

He forced himself to focus, and to think carefully.

[Private to DM Daniel:

Too small are gnomes, I particularly so. Not so good a meal I am.

Minotaurs, now, unusually intelligent are they. A big city I saw. Organised well and clever.

]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:34, Sat 05 Aug 2006.

Schnick continues to look odd, as if thinking unfamiliar thoughts.

[Private to Schnicklegulp Stoneswiper: Intelligent? Thirty of them followed you because you lied to them. My needs tend to quality over quantity, and your thoughts shall be my feast this night!]

Suddenly, a distortion appears in the air around you, and the hazy forms of eight driders appear hovering above you in the darkness. Webs thrown from their outstreched hands fill the cavern, covering you all (as a web spell, DC 15). The driders each carry a bow and begin to pelt your group with arrows. Several minotaurs, trapped in the webs, are pierced by arrows.

[Private to Illianka: You are pretty sure that these driders were sent to find you - they bear your own houses insignia.]

OOC: Driders had a suprise round for being invisible, but their initiative is only 7 - anyone who beats it, take a round of actions.